Clarens and Alex Harvey (left) tackle Hashtag Pretender © Photo Healy Racing
Clarens dug deep to peg back Hashtag Pretender on the run-in in the Hotel Park St. Johann Tirol Handicap Hurdle at Navan for trainer John Flavin.
Hashtag Pretender looked set to bag a quick double for Michael O'Sullivan and Barry Connell as he kicked a few lengths clear after the second last in the two-miler.
Clarens ate into that lead going to the final flight though and got on top, for Alex Harvey, in the closing stages to record a half length win. Tonaghneave Well stayed on to grab the runner-up spot late on, a head in front of the long-time leader.
The 9/1 winner had been fifth on his return to action at Tipperary last month.
Flavin said: "He was second in it last year and we had it in mind for a long time to come back to win it.
"With Alex's 5lb off, he was nearly a stone better off.
"I was just hoping that Gordon (Elliott) wouldn't have something in it again. Then when I saw Barry Connell's horse win in Gowran, I thought he would be hard to beat. Thankfully, he started treading water and we got there in time.
"He won here three years ago and he got a mark that he was just finding hard to win off. He's after being dropped a few pound and the handicapper gave him a bit of a chance, and thankfully it all worked out.
"Alex gave him a good ride and the 5lb became very crucial from the back of the last.
"He loves it here and is always happier when you take him out of the box in the car park here! Even with the bigger crowd here today, it just lights him up.
"I'm delighted for the horse really because he always runs his race.
"All the owners have stuck with him for the last couple of years.
"I'd say if we can get him back here for something, we will aim for here.
"He will go on softer ground. The worry today was whether the ground was too good, but thankfully it was okay."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
